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| Duran Swiftpike | Sep 5 2008, 07:19 PM |
High Commander
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((Oh my! I replied to this already, or so I thought. Humph, guess it didn’t go through. Sorry for the delay, and no worries about your travels.)) Once upon a time the idea of a badger and warrior as mighty as Uriah taking a knee before him would have deeply unnerved Duran. Now, however, after over a year of command at the fort and many interactions with the badger lord and his faithful companion, the vole recognized the act as one of honor and respect. Deep down it still made him slightly uncomfortable, but so did being called “sir” as often as he was each day and all the salutes he received. It was something that came with command and he had grown used to it, in a sense. Avirly, on the other paw, went stiff as a board as she watched the great badger with eyes popping and mouth slightly ajar. Duran gave her shoulder what he tried to make a reassuring squeeze. He hoped his daughter would not be so afraid of Uriah, especially since she had seen him at least twice before. “We are happy to receive you and the word of Lord Thickstripe.” The High Commander nodded slightly, a subtle cue that kneeling was no longer needed. Then he gently ushered Avirly forward and heaved an inward sigh of relief when she didn’t trip over herself. “I know the three of you are probably weary from the road. I also know that you, Uriah, would no doubt grimace at the thought of doing anything other than speaking with my privately as soon as possible. My daughter, Avirly, along with Commander Sceotend Russet will show you where you can stay and find a meal.” Duran gestured toward the two hares, underlining that he wished for them to separate from the badger. "Now, Uriah if you would come with me we will head up to my office and have that private talk you're waiting for. Kani, if you could have some tea sent up it would be greatly appreciated." With a soft wave of his paw and a twitch of his whiskers into a slight smile, the vole commander made his way back to the keep, confident that his wishes would be carried out. As he walked with Uriah he continued to leave one paw gently resting on the hilt of his rapier. The two made their way quickly enough across the grounds and into the keep. Duran would point out projects that had been completed since Uriah's last visit and talk about various future plans for the fort. At last they reached the High Commander's office and the vole pushed open the door and allowed his guest to enter first. Duran's office was as humble as ever, with a dirty fireplace, a plate with cheese crumbs on his desk, and a fraying quilt draped over his chair. However it was also orderly and neat, with no papers out of place and besides the empty plate his desk was clear. In front of the desk and nearer the fireplace were two high backed stuffed armchairs, though neither was quite large enough to fit Uriah's frame. Duran quickly went to the corner of the room and retrieved a low stool with a wide seat. "Well, last time you were in my office I didn't have any chairs, and I'm afraid this is all I have to offer you now. But, we shall make do, just like last time." As he spoke he placed the stool in front of the badger and then swiftly fetched a small crate from behind his desk. It had never even crossed his mind that he should sit in one of his armchairs. That act would have implied Uriah was in some way beneath him, to sit in a stool and learn at his knee, and Duran, as a commander, knew better. The vole quickly made himself comfortable on the crate and then gave his full and undivided attention to what the badger wishes to say. |
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High Commander of Black Arch Fort | |
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1:52 PM Nov 25
